Studying abroad is no piece of cake – if you’ve started university right after graduating from high school, it’s a huge change from moving out of your family home to being independent. Especially, if you decide to pursue your degree in another country. In addition to figuring out where is the library building, how to do laundry in your dorm and trying to get along with your roommates, there is also the stress of being far away from your friends and family.
Since you’re an adventurous young student and you like a challenge, you decided to take up a job while studying! It’s totally understandable – living in the UK is not cheap and it’s also great to have some work experience to add to your CV. But, you’re probably a little confused – can you actually work in the UK as an international student?
The short answer is yes, you can. However, there might be some limitations.
Whether you can work in the UK while you are studying depends on what country you are from and your immigration status. It can be a complex area and so you should seek advice about your specific circumstances. If you’re unsure about whether or not you can sign a contract, you can always check with your international student center at the university where you’re studying. In the meantime, we have a few general tips and rules to make your job search a little easier!
After all, you have your final exams and that history paper to worry about!
Let’s establish some basics first:
If you are from a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland – you can work in the UK while studying and do not normally need permission to work in the UK. You need your passport or identity card and may need to show this to your employer as proof of identity.
The exception to this is if you come from Croatia when special rules apply. If you are from outside of the EEA – the position varies from country to country.
We recommend consulting the website of the UK Council for International Student Affairs to check the position of the country you have come to the UK from.
You can find more details on this website.
Here are 4 things you should keep in mind as a working student in the UK:
1. 20 hours per week if you are studying for a degree
If you are studying for a degree, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. This means that you can work part-time with a legal contract. Isn’t that the perfect solution?
You want to make sure that you have enough time to focus on your studies – you don’t want to fail that math exam after all. But 20 hours per week is plenty of time to make some extra money and gain some work experience! The best part about all the job opportunities you will find at AppJobs.com – they are all part-time and flexible!
No need to worry about your manager giving you a hard time because you can’t work next Monday since you don’t want to miss your lecture – working with AppJobs, you are your own manager and you set your schedule to fit your needs!
2. Studying English at a language school? You have fewer working hours
Unfortunately, you get fewer hours if you are studying at a language school. The UK only allows you to legally work for 10 hours per week to cover your costs while studying. But no worries! All the app-based jobs that you can find at AppJobs.com, allow you to work as much – or a little – as you like. You don’t need to worry that you’re not able to commit for more than 10 hours of work weekly – you will be in charge of your own schedule.
3. Work full-time during holidays
During the summer or Christmas holidays, you can double your shifts and work full-time. The UK only allows you to work full-time without a work visa during holidays. So if you are far away from your friends and family or you prefer to spend your spring break in town to make some extra cash – this is the perfect solution!
And if you’re already working with an app-based job, you can easily update your schedule and pick up more shifts! Delivering food with UberEATS? You will definitely find lots and lots of orders during the holidays! Working as a tasker with TaskRabbit? There will definitely be many Londoners looking for a helping hand with putting up their Christmas tree. The perfect opportunity to make more money and save for future travels!
4. Full-time jobs for foreign students after graduation
If you want to continue living and working in the UK, you will have to get a work permit. This can be a rather long process, depending on your talent and success. However, having some experience on your CV will definitely help you when searching for your future job.
It will show your employer that you have great time management skills since you were able to balance studying and working part-time. If you plan to stay in the UK after graduation, it’s best to start looking for full-time employment ahead of time. In order to get a work permit in the UK, you have to find a company willing to sponsor you. Sponsoring means that the company will deal with getting you a permit.
Are you ready to start working? Check out AppJobs.com for the best part-time, flexible offers perfect for students!
Further Readings
Are you looking for a student job? Take a look at our other posts related to student jobs:
- 4 best part time jobs for college students
- The perfect solution to making money while studying working with a part-time student job
- Jobs for international students working as an international student in Usa
- How you can make extra money as a student from wherever you are
- Home jobs for students: the perfect way to make money during your studies
- Find a student job for the summer to earn money for the next term
- Student jobs – sign up and earn an income
- What is the minimum wage for student jobs in the USA
- Our freelance student jobs suggestions – they will save your wallet during your studies!
- How to make money as a student? How to find well-paid student jobs in US?
- What types of jobs can be performed by college students in the US?
English 
German 
Portuguese 
French 
Italian 
Spanish 
Finnish